I had a lot of fun with these. I'm a fan of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and I love that not everyone has to be an Avenger or the superest of superheroes, you know what I mean? Four out of five of these protagonists don't even have powers. I love that they used characters from the television series and cemented the way the comics and MCU play off each other. 

 

Here are the five issues that are part of the 50th Anniversary: 

 

1. Agent Carter: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 - Kathryn Immonen,Rich Ellis,Declan Shalvey Also had her own television show for two seasons. Loved it. Her characters has always been awesome but the interaction with Lady Sif just put me over. Makes me little feminist heart flutter. 
2. Fury: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 - David Walker,Lee Ferguson,Mike Deodato  Still fluttering. It's really the timeline thing here and figuring out the mark. It was kind of awesome, even if your not a fan of the target. The timing of the issue was great because it came out in the midst of contemporary social justice issues flaring up. 
3. Mockingbird: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 - Chelsea Cain,Joëlle Jones,Paul Renaud  I had thought that making her a scientist was a part of the tv show, so it was nice to see how the dynamic between her science and abilities as an operative played against each other in the comic as well.
4. Quake: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 - Matthew Rosenberg,Patrick Kindlon,Daniel Johnson,David Nakayama  As a fan of the show, I thought it was great to see Quake get the audition to upgrade and the respect from Cap. It really showcased the ever-changing nature of the Avengers team, and the way it's more like a rotating watch so no single hero gets all burned out. 
5. The Cavalry: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 - Jody Houser,Luke Ross,Dale Keown  I love me some Melinda May, I have since I first saw her on the show. I had no idea that it consisted of so many established characters. Melinda May is exactly the same on the show too. She comes off as an ice queen to those around her, she's a badass, and she cares more than most. This was a great story and I loved the way it highlighted her nickname as "the Cavalry". 

 

Has anyone else read these? 

If I had to sum up DRAW AND PAINT FANTASY FEMALES with one passage, it would be this:

"When it comes to adding armor to your female figures, my advice would be to go sparingly. The armour should be more implied than anything, as if you cover up her entire body with a thick suit of armour she will no longer have the necessary 'fantasy' appeal. Depending on the character, metal plated bras, wrist and shin protectors, and supplementary items such as shields are all that are required." --section titled "Less is More"

I love how there's not even a hint of irony to found here.

To call the oversexualized mid-to-late 00s' shiny-but-pulpy style of comic book art problematic is an understatement, to the point that Tom Fleming's how-to book is dated with a vengeance. Published during the height of the era of 80s-inspired softcore sleaze in comics, every page is filled with exaggerated pouts, shapely bodies, and enough skimpy outfits to make a stripper blush. Body diversity is nonexistent, and the author even points out from the very beginning that fantasy women are now liberated, powerful, dangerous... but always sensual. You better believe that Fleming delivers on the sensual part.

Despite of all that, it's a genuinely decent art book.

One of Fleming's clear advantages is that he's a fantastic (no pun intended) artist, and so he offers many legitimately great tips and techniques throughout the book, especially in regards to using reference photos. He also gives the reader a grounded history of "fantasy females" and how their image has changed over the last century, and thus he provides good explanations for the stylistic choices that permeate his art. There's a clear sense of sincerity and beauty in the book that's sometimes absent in the work of Fleming's contemporaries in the comicbook industry. The only real complaint I could make about the presentation of the book is that it frequently glosses over how to draw all the intricate details that Fleming excels at.

At any rate, it serves as a good reminder of why this type of faux-pulp artwork grew popular to begin with. When drawn correctly with the right amount of talent, the result is breathtaking.

I bought the book on an impulse six years ago with low expectations, but it's easily become of the most-used references in my collection, even when I'm not drawing sexy ladies. Recommended to any artist that doesn't mind putting their warriors and ninjas in bikini battle armor every now and then.

Wow! This woman, Ms. Kresley Cole, can write anything. I began reading her action packed-under and above the covers- Immortals After Dark series many years ago. I read quite a few, then put her books on hold for a while. I came back last year and have nearly completed IAD. As we Geminis love to do, we read at least five books at one time (depending upon our mood). In doing this, I thought I would try Ms. Cole's earlier works after having recently completed her new-amazing-contemporary erotica series, The Game Makers. Knowing how great she handled Contemporary in addition to Paranormal Romance, I had faith that her earlier works-The MacCarrik Brothers trilogy- would be fantastic. Well, I can honestly say that I placed my faith in good hands because this series, so far, is really wonderful. For those who like non-paranormal romance, don't mind period pieces with minimal historical details, and more detailed erotic scenes with brawny, sensual, loving, alpha-males who happen to be Kilt wearers, then this is your series. This book of three, is well written, has a good story line, is erotic but tasteful, and is an easy read! I highly recommend it. There is just a special way that Ms. Cole, and only Ms. Cole, writes sex scenes that are the most unique and erotic in general romance. I have never read anyone else that writes them like she does. It's strange because the scenes are so normal and vanilla, but they make you puddle on the floor every time. And oh yeah, did I mention there's an actual plot that takes up most of the book! I know, right?! Amazing how now we can get a two-for-one deal in today's literature. This book is indeed a "kilt lifter" not a " bodice ripper." Just to clarify ;) But not a cheesy Harlequin; one of few genres I detest vehemently. Yes, there is a clear distinction. So, check this first book out via Overdrive, it's free! You can't go wrong with that, especially if you are new to her works. Enjoy what's under the kilt, I mean cover ;)